If you want to learn how to play bingo online, then you've come to the right place. This is extensive guide to gameplay covers everything you need to know - from the history of the online bingo game to exciting current developments.
Players’ accounts can be modified using the personal setting functions on most online bingo sites. They can adjust several features of their account to their own personal needs. This can include the amount they can deposit, to help with sticking to budgets, as well as:
Choosing an Alias
Players do not have to use their real names when gaming online and chatting. They can chose a fun name or alias by which all posts will be displayed. Password and account protection Picking cards is one of the most important tactical decisions when playing online bingo. Players need to decide:Bingo Schedule
As bingo is a game that involves multiple players, games have to start according to a pre-arranged schedule. However, the more popular sites have frequent games starting every few minutes, so bingo players will never have to wait too long. Log in and there should be a game starting at any moment, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The basic rules of online bingo are fairly straightforward.
Players choose the game they want to play and are given the corresponding virtual card. These take the form of grids, with a series of numbers already marked in rows and lines.
When an online game starts, the caller – which is the online programme that randomly selects – starts to draw numbers. Players need to keep up with the pace, marking off the numbers on their cards, as and when they are called. Alternatively, they can use the auto dub feature to ensure they never miss a call.
Depending on the exact game you’re playing, mark off a line, multiple lines or all your numbers – known in the game as a full house – and you win a prize. Gameplay is a ‘first past the post’ system, so when one player gets a full house, the game’s over.
As mentioned above, there is a big choice of games, each with slightly different bingo rules depending on the size of the cards to mark.
Jackpots are the prizes awarded for the winner of each game, or multiple games. There are a few different kinds:
Although the basic premise of online bingo remains the same most of the time, there are different games that have subtle variations in the rules. It’s important that players are able to distinguish between various game styles, and have a firm grasp of the rules of any game where they are betting.
The main types of game are:
Players are required to fill their entire card, which is why they are also known as coveralls. They take longer to complete but players can get very involved. It’s a common tournament bingo game.
90 ball bingo is the traditional type of bingo played in the UK and Europe. Players in the US and Canada may be more familiar with the 75 ball variety of the game but players shouldn’t worry too much as the rules are more or less the same.
Players purchase cards, with balls drawn at random by the random number generator (RNG) built into the online bingo gaming programme.
90 ball bingo is distinguished by a number of factors, including:
Three parts to the game
The game is played in three parts.
75 ball bingo is the type most commonly played in the US and Canada traditionally. Players in the UK and Europe are probably more familiar with the 90 ball variety but the rules are very similar so players will be able to play both games easily. Thanks to the spread of online bingo it is also widely played in Europe and the UK.
Players purchase cards which have numbers already marked. The game begins and numbers are draw at random by the online caller. Players will need to mark off any called numbers that appear on their card.
75 ball bingo is distinguished by a number of factors, including:
Three parts to the game
The aim of the game is to complete certain patterns, with three main ways to win. Players will need to get either:
Players who make a line in any direction will won a prize but the game will continue until someone wins a full house by marking off all the numbers.
Pattern bingo is often played in 75 ball games. Players are aiming to make a specific pattern from a number that are outlined at the start of the game. There is a huge variety of patterns that can be called, with letters, crosses and circles all possible.
A more recent addition to the bingo cannon, 80 ball bingo is often seen as a happy medium between 75 and 90 ball bingo - in that is shorter than a game of 90 ball but more substantial than 75 ball.
The rules are very similar to other forms of bingo, so players will find it easy to understand and play, even if they have never played the game before.
80 ball bingo is distinguished from other varieties by the following:
How to win
There are a number of ways to win in 80 ball bingo.
52-5 bingo is our newest type of bingo room. This is a bingo game, but with a twist. Instead of the traditional bingo balls & numbered cards, when you buy a card you’ll get 5 different objects, which can be of any design, such as candies or playing cards. This gives these rooms a unique feel. Be the first player to cover all 5 objects on your bingo card and win the Full House jackpot. There’s also a progressive jackpot featured in this bingo room – which makes it all that sweeter!
52-5 bingo is distinguished from other varieties by the following:
How to win
Bingo is essentially a game of luck and chance. Players never know when their numbers are going to come up and win big, which is all part of the fun. However, as with any game of probability, there are certain techniques and tactics that can improve a player’s odds of winning.
Pre Buy Games with Big Jackpots
If it’s not possible to be online during a big jackpot game, players can pre buy game cards for scheduled games later in the day or week. Pre buy cards are often available for the really big jackpot games that players really don’t want to miss, and there are sometimes promotions for these available online.
Occasionally pre buy cards are limited, and if they go on sale well in advance they can sell out, so players are advised to make their purchases early.
Calculating the Odds
It may be a game of chance but it is possible to calculate the odds of winning in any particular game. Unlike a lottery, there has to be a winner in bingo, so players should divided the number of cards they hold by the total number in the game.
If a player has 3 cards and there are a total of 100 in play, the bingo odds of winning are 3%. The same system applies in all games. Players can choose to play only games with better odds to stand more chance of winning.
Winning big
Some players prefer to only try and play for big jackpots. By loading cards in the big money games, players can get better odds in only the big money rounds.
Other players try to win more regular smaller prizes, accruing more winnings in this way. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Set a Budget
Perhaps the most important thing players need to remember is to set a bingo budget and stick to it. Not only is this rule number one of good bingo strategy but it also helps players to only risk what they can afford to lose.
Keeping within a budget helps to keep online bingo fun to play, and ultimately, that’s what it’s about.
Read the Rules
It seems like obvious advice but it can be all too tempting to just start playing without having taken the time to get to know the rules. Each game and company will have their own set of rules, in terms of gameplay, cashiers, cashing out and more.
Players need to be familiar with all the rules before they place any bets. Again, it’s all part of a comprehensive bingo plan.
Know when to Take a Break
As is pointed out above, online bingo is supposed to be enjoyable but it is possible to get drawn into the game for long stretches. This is when bad decisions are made and players can lose money.
Players are advised to
Choose Bigger Jackpots
Playing games with bigger jackpots increases a player’s chances of winning big. Big jackpot games and progressive jackpots are more popular, with more players, but with substantial prizes available. This is where the big money is won.Bingo Maths: Tippett and Granville
Online bingo may be a game of chance, but as with all probability, knowing the theory can help to improve your odds. There are two major and significant bingo theories, developed independently by J.E Granville, an analyst in the financial world, and L.H.C Tippett.Granville’s system encourages players to choose a card that is evenly spread and symmetrical. This means:
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